Monitor
CBCP
JUNE 11 - 24, 2018 VOL. 22 NO. 12
THE CROSS
A SUPPLEMENT PUBLICATION
OF KCFAPI AND THE ORDER OF
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Church outraged by
murder of priests
By Roy Lagarde
CATHOLIC bishops
bewailed the ‘escalating
violence’ in the country
even against clergymen,
following the killing of
another priest in Nueva
Ecija province.
Archbishop Romulo Valles,
president of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines, said
the killing of Fr. Richmond Nilo is
nothing but an “outrageously evil
act!”
“We make our appeal once again
to the police authorities to act
swiftly in the investigation and to
go after the perpetrators of this
heinous crime and bring them to
justice,” Valles said.
The archbishop lamented that
the recent attacks against church
people happens in the Year of the
Clergy and Consecrated Persons.
Nilo is the third priest to be
murdered in the recent months,
after Fr. Tito Paez in December last
year, and Fr. Mark Ventura in April.
He was gunned down by still
unidentified assailants and died on
the spot inside the Barangay chapel
of Mayamot in Zaragoza town just
as he was about to celebrate the
Mass on late Sunday afternoon.
The attack happened just four
days after Fr. Rey Urmeneneta, a
former police chaplain, survived an
assassination attempt in Calamba
City on June 6.
Nilo, 43, was the parish priest
of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in
Zaragoza town and, at the same
time, the Financial Administrator
of the Diocese of Cabanatuan.
Aside from serving vital positions,
he was also known for his active
involvement in the apostolate for
the deaf and mute in the diocese.
“I am deeply sad and bothered
because we may note that Fr. Nilo
is the 3rd priest to be killed in these
recent months,” said Valles.
Bishop Sofronio Bancud of
Murder / A7
Archbishop calls ‘Day of Reparation’ over priest’s killing
ARCHBISHOP Socrates
Villegas of Lingayen-
Dagupan has invited the
faithful to observe a “day
of reparation” on June 18,
urging everyone to oppose
killings.
The archbishop, in a letter
to the faithful, said he was
making the appeal because
“murders continue without
relent”.
June 18 is a Monday, the
9th day after the brutal
killing of Fr. Richmond Nilo,
the third priest to be killed in
Bishops thumb down arming priests for their personal safety
THE head of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines said he
is strongly against the idea of arming
priests for personal safety in the wake
of recent attacks on clergymen.
Archbishop Romulo Valles, CBCP
President, said that priests are supposed
to be men of peace, not violence.
“I would strongly oppose to arm the
priests,” Valles told Manila archdiocese-
run Radio Veritas.
“We are men of God, men of the
Church and it is part of our ministry to
face face dangers, to face deaths if one
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE
A3: NEWS
Slain priest remembered for his love for poor
“ “
the Philippine in the past six
months.
He said that “today, the
murderers are commended
and the king is undisturbed”.
“God’s justice be upon Murders
those who kill the Lord’s
anointed ones. There is continue
a special place in hell for
killers. There is a worse place without
for those who kill priests,”
Villegas said. relent
He even invited priests
from other dioceses and
religious congregations to
join the initiative with the
may say that way. But we would do it
just what Jesus did,” he said.
Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Oscar
Florencio, who is also the apostolic
administrator of the Military Ordinariate
of the Philippines, said he could think of
several scenarios where it could have
negative consequences.
“It will create more chaos, it will not
solve anything,” he said.
Fr. Richmond Nilo has been shot dead
inside a chapel in the town of Zaragoza
in Nueva Ecija province on June 10 as
he was preparing to say Mass, the third
A7: DIOCESAN NEWS
Boracay residents face eviction
consent of their bishops and
superiors.
“We beg the Lord to wake
up our people, now walking
in darkness and numbed by
fear, to stand up for the Lord
and courageously correct
error and sin,” said Villegas.
“May we find among our
lay people the readiness to
work actively for social and
political changes grounded
in Catholic moral teachings
and Christian social ethics,”
he added.
Killing / A7
cleric to be killed in six months.
The attack occurred four days after Fr.
Rey Urmeneta, a former police chaplain,
was wounded in a shooting in Calamba
City in Laguna province on June 6.
On April 29, Fr. Mark Ventura, known
for his anti-mining advocacy, was
gunned down after celebrating Mass in
the province of Cagayan.
In December last year, 72-year-old Fr.
Marcelito Paez was shot dead in Jaen
town in Nueva Ecija after facilitaitng
the release of a political prisoner.
(CBCPNews)
CBCPMONITOR@AREOPAGUSCOMMUNICATIONS.COM
B1: PASTORAL CONCERNS
Message of Pope Francis to the members of the
Neocatechumenal Way on the occasion of their
50th founding anniversary
Cardinal Tagle
urges Filipinos
not to be
enslaved by
violence
THE head of Manila’s Roman
Catholic Church called on
Filipinos to resist being enslaved
by violence as the spate of
killings continue across the
country.
In his message for
Independence Day, Cardinal
Luis Antonio Tagle said that
such freedom is worthless if the
country is being engulfed by
crimes, corruption and poverty.
“It’s a false freedom when we
are toying around with justice.
We repeat: It is against the will
of God to destroy life. Killing is
not a solution to personal and
societal problems,” he said.
The cardinal lamented the
killings of many Filipinos,
including slain Fr. Richmond
Nilo of the Cabanatuan diocese
and Henry Acorda, an overseas
Filipino worker who was killed
in Slovakia.
“…I hope no one will be next.
We weep for them, their families,
and our society. We seek justice
for them,” Tagle said.
The Manila archbishop called
on the people not to respond to
violence with violence and for
the assassins to stop the killings.
“When you are being ordered
or paid to hurt or kill others, do
not follow. Do not be a slave. A
true free Filipino does not take
advantage, destroy, and enslave
others,” he added.
Cardinal Tagle also called on
lawmakers to review prevailing
laws on owning firearms and
ammunitions.
“We are calling the attention
of our lawmakers and those
in charge of peace and order:
Why is there too many guns
and weapons on the loose?” he
asked.
“Maybe there is a need to
review laws and regulations
concerning the manufacture,
selling, buying, and ownership
of guns. Let us not wait anymore
for the time when it is easier to
purchase guns than rice,” he
said. (CBCPNews)
Religious women hit ‘misogyny’
A GROUP of religious
superiors has criticized
what it called “misogyny,
chauvinism and the
We are against
degradation of women,”
hitting back at President the attacks on
Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged
misogynistic behavior and
women, the
humiliation
his penchant of lashing out
against female critics. of women,
“Women are not inferior to
men. We are all co-servants
of the Lord our maker,”
the prejudice
against women
reads a statement from
the Association of Major
Religious Superiors of and dignity like Sr. Patricia
Women in the Philippines Fox and other women
(AMRSWP), which was
released in support of the
missionaries and legislators
who continue to speak truth
#BabaeAko social media to power, although some of
campaign them are “dehumanized by
“We are against the attacks men”.
on women, the humiliation of “We are humbled by their
women, the prejudice against example and will strive to
women,” said AMRSWP Sr. emulate them in our work of
Regina Kuizon, RGS. “We mercy and justice,”
are weavers of history. We The AMRSWP also
are nurturers of the earth. reiterated its solidarity
We are givers of life. We are with women who oppose
women!” she said. “the creeping dictatorship
The group also expressed in our midst,” defending
solidarity with others who democracy and the rule of
stand up for human rights law. (CBCPNews)
A2 WORLD NEWS June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 CBCP Monitor

Civil court rules Fulton Sheen’s Vatican Briefing

remains can go to Peoria War, hunger, ‘cultural colonization’ are forms of persecution, pope says
Persecution is the work of the devil, and while anti-Christian
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.— The Msgr. Franco had said that Sheen persecution is evident in many parts of the world, the devil also
Superior Court of New York ruled told him he wanted to be buried in is attacking the image and likeness of God present in many other
Friday in favor of Joan Sheen New York and that Cardinal Cooke people as well, Pope Francis said. “In the world today, Christians
Cunningham, who had petitioned had offered him a space in the crypt are not the only ones being persecuted; human beings, man
to move the body of her uncle, of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. and woman, are because the father of every persecution cannot
Venerable Fulton Sheen, to the The appeals court ordered “a full tolerate that they are the image and likeness of God. So he attacks
Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria. exploration” of the archbishop’s and destroys that image,” Pope Francis said June 1 during Mass in
The body of the late archbishop is desires. the Domus Sanctae Marthae. The injustice that leaves millions of
currently in St. Patrick’s Cathedral The Diocese of Peoria said that the people starving, exploitation, modern slavery and torture—”even
in New York City. New York superior court ruled this 70 years after the (U.N.) Declaration of Human Rights”—are all
The Diocese of Peoria welcomed week that Msgr. Franco “testified forms of persecution, he said. (Cindy Wooden/CNS)
the decision. completely in line with the testimony of
“This is the second time that the Joan Sheen Cunningham. Therefore,
Vatican criminal court indicts monsignor on child porn charges
Superior Court of New York has ruled both supported their understanding
A Vatican court indicted Msgr. Carlo Alberto Capella, a former
in favor of Joan Sheen Cunningham’s that above all else Archbishop Sheen
staff member at the Vatican nunciature in Washington, and
petition,” read a June 8 statement would not have objected to his remains
ordered him to stand trial beginning June 22 on charges of
from the Peoria diocese. being transferred to Peoria.”
possessing and distributing child pornography. Vatican City
The judge, Arlene Bluth, ruled that “Furthermore, the Archdiocese
State’s criminal court issued the indictment June 9, the Vatican
“the location of Archbishop Sheen’s of New York could not supply any
press office announced. Msgr. Capella has been held in a jail cell in
final resting place would not have further testimony against Joan
Venerable Fulton Sheen the Vatican police barracks since April 9. Msgr. Capella is accused
been his primary concern” and that Sheen Cunningham’s petition. The
of having and exchanging with others “a large quantity” of child
“it makes no sense, given his lifelong of Rochester in 1966. He retired in court ruled that their testimony was
pornography; the quantity is such that the charges are considered
devotion to the Catholic Church, that 1969 and moved back to New York fundamentally the same,” the Peoria
“aggravated” by the Vatican City court. If found guilty, he faces
he would choose a location over the City until his death in 1979. diocese said.
a prison sentence of one year to five years and a fine from 2,500
chance to become a saint.” Sheen’s will had declared his wish Bluth ruled that “Mrs. Cunningham
euro to 50,000 euro (about $3,000-60,000). However, according
The Peoria diocese opened the to be buried in the Archdiocese has offered a sound reason and a
to Vatican law, “the penalty is increased if a considerable quantity
cause for Sheen’s canonization in of New York Calvary Cemetery. laudable purpose for her petition”
of pornographic material is involved.” (Cindy Wooden/CNS)
2002 after Archdiocese of New York Soon after Sheen died, Cardinal and that Sheen “would care much
said it would not explore the case. In Terence Cooke of New York asked less about the location of his earthly
Gossip destroys Holy Spirit’s gift of peace, pope says
2012, Benedict XVI recognized the Cunningham, Sheen’s closest living remains than his ability … to continue
Peace is a gift that can easily be destroyed through petty gossip
heroic virtues of the archbishop. relative, if his remains could be to serve man and God on a grand
and speaking ill of others, Pope Francis said. People who receive
However, Bishop Daniel Jenky of placed in the New York cathedral’s scale after his earthly demise.”
and give the sign of peace “should be men and women of peace”
Peoria suspended the beatification crypt, and she consented. The Peoria diocese expressed their
and not ruin “the peace made by the Holy Spirit with your tongue,”
cause in September 2014 on the Cunningham has said that Sheen hope that the Archdiocese of New
the pope said June 6 during his weekly general audience. “Gossip
grounds that the Holy See expected would have wanted to have been York “will cease their legal resistance
is not a work of the Holy Spirit, it is not a work of the unity of the
Sheen’s remains to be in the Peoria interred in Peoria if he knew that he and respect the ruling of the Superior
church. Gossip destroys the work of God. Please stop gossiping,”
diocese. would be considered for sainthood. Court. Bishop Jenky hopes that the
the pope said. (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNS)
The Archdiocese of New York, In 2016, she filed a legal complaint New York Archdiocese will cooperate
however, has said that Vatican officials seeking to have her uncle’s remains with … the practical matters as to
Cardinal Obando Bravo, retired archbishop of Managua, dies
have said the Peoria diocese can pursue moved to Peoria. moving the remains of Venerable
Once honored by his native Nicaragua as a “father of peace
Sheen’s canonization regardless of An initial court ruling had sided Archbishop Sheen to Peoria, Illinois.
and reconciliation,” Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo, retired
whether his body is at rest there. with Cunningham, but a state appeals It is the hope that this process will
archbishop of Managua, died June 3 at the age of 92. Pope Francis
Sheen was born in Illinois in 1895, court overturned that ruling, saying it begin immediately.”
praised the late cardinal in a telegram released June 4 for being a
and was ordained a priest of the had failed to give sufficient attention The Diocese of Peoria said that
“devoted pastor,” who spent his life serving God and the church
Diocese of Peoria at the age of 24. to a sworn statement from a colleague moving Sheen’s body to Peoria will
with “generous faith.” Cardinal Obando was known for defending
He was appointed auxiliary bishop of of Archbishop Sheen, Monsignor be the next step towards bringing his
human rights during both the right-wing dictatorship of the
New York in 1951, and he remained Hilary C. Franco, a witness for the beatification to completion. (CNA/
Somoza family and the left-wing Sandinista regime, which seized
there until his appointment as Bishop New York archdiocese. EWTN News)
power in 1979. Many international organizations recognized
his “ceaseless pastoral and humanitarian work,” according to
Government officials destroy Way of the Cross in China’s Henan province Vatican News. In 2016, Nicaragua’s national assembly declared
him “father of peace and reconciliation” because of his dedication
WEIHUI, China— The record the vandalism. rooted history in the became the Communist
calling for an end to the civil war that rocked the nation from 1961
sanctuary of Our Lady One religious source said province, the future of the Party Secretary of the
to 1990. (Carol Glatz/CNS)
of Mount Carmel in the Communist Party was sanctuary after the recent province in March.
China’s Henan province making an example out of vandalism is unknown. Zhejiang province has
Pope appoints first layperson to head Pontifical Lateran University
is a popular pilgrimage site the sanctuary, saying the The damages sustained also been a focus for local
Pope Francis has appointed the first layperson to head Rome’s
for many Catholics, where government would “allow at Our Lady of Mount government persecution
Pontifical Lateran University. The pope named Vincenzo
thousands have journeyed Catholicism to exist but Carmel is indicative of of Christians. There have
Buonomo, 57, rector of the university, a Vatican press release
since its founding in 1903 not develop.” mounting strikes against also been reports of church
announced June 2. As of July 1, he will succeed 67-year-old
to pray and walk the The sanctuary of Our religious freedom in China. demolition or removal of
Bishop Enrico dal Covolo, a Salesian who was appointed rector
shrine’s Way of the Cross. Lady of Mount Carmel is Last fall, one Protestant crosses in Shaanxi province
in 2010. Born April 17, 1961, in Gaeta, Buonomo specialized in
However, on the evening the only pilgrimage site church was dismantled and the Xinjiang Uyghur
international law and received his doctorate from the Lateran in
of June 5, local government in Henan province and in the same province, Autonomous Region.
1983. He began teaching civil law at the university in 1984 and
authorities tore down is located in Tianjiajing and in February, towns The U.S. Commission
became a full professor in 2001. He also assisted the Holy See’s
the sanctuary’s images village. It was a product throughout Henan were for International
permanent observer at the U.N. food and agriculture agencies
of Christ along the Way of the vision of Bishop notified of a ban against Religious Freedom
based in Rome—the Food and Agriculture Organization, the
of the Cross, only weeks Stefano Scarella, P.I.M.E., publicly posting religious recently published its
International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World
after Chinese officials told who was vicar apostolic pamphlets. 2018 report in April, in
Food Program -- in 1983 and became its office manager in 2007.
Bishop Joseph Zhang of Northern Honan from Crosses at Catholic which it identifies China
Pope Francis named him an adviser of the Vatican City State in
Yinlin of Weihui (Anyang) 1884 until his death churches have also been as a Country of Particular
2014. (CNS)
to dismantle the Way of in 1902. He dedicated removed and demolished Concern. This label is given
the Cross without any the shrine to Mary, in by government officials in to foreign governments
Pope: Catholics won’t ‘meddle’ in internal affairs of Orthodox Church
given reason. gratitude for protecting Henan, which is believed that engages in or tolerates
The Catholic Church respects the Russian Orthodox Church,
The Way of the Cross missionaries during the to have the second largest “systemic, ongoing, and
its status in Russia and its right to handle its own internal
was demolished during Boxer Rebellion. Christian population in egregious” religious
affairs, Pope Francis said. As some Ukrainian politicians and
the night on Tuesday, Every year, the the country, with roughly freedom violations.
leaders of some Ukrainian Orthodox communities work for the
said Bishop Zhang, when sanctuary hosted an 2.4 million Christians In April, a Chinese
establishment of a unified Ukrainian Orthodox church completely
“excavators and pickup annual celebration July as of 2009. Church-run government official who
independent of Moscow, Pope Francis told Russian Orthodox
trucks were driven to 16, where thousands of kindergarten schools were oversees religious affairs
leaders that any Catholics taking a side on the matter “are not
the site at night because pilgrims visited from additionally taken over said that government
obeying the Holy See.” Pope Francis met May 30 with a delegation
authorities feared there nearby provinces, such by officials and closed restrictions on bishop
from the Russian Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Hilarion
would be too many church as Hebei and Shanxi. without further notice, appointments are not
of Volokolamsk, head of external relations for the church. The
members in the daytime,” However, in 1987, the and one bishop’s tomb was a violation of religious
Vatican published the pope’s remarks to the group June 2. “The
according to UCA News. government banned large desecrated. freedom, as he emphasized
Catholic Church, the Catholic churches must not meddle in the
Local nuns took pilgrimage gatherings and Eight of Henan’s ten that religions in China
internal affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church nor in political
videos and pictures of limited the number of dioceses have been must “adapt to socialist
questions,” the pope said. (Cindy Wooden/CNS)
the damages and sent pilgrims to 300. ordered to be suppressed society.” (CNA/EWTN
them to chat groups to Despite the shrine’s since Wang Guosheng News)
Pope to journalists: Be responsible, avoid ideological warfare

Satanist loses legal challenge to strip ‘In God We Trust’ from currency
CHICAGO, Ill.— A U.S. appellate
court has ruled against a self-
described Satanist from Chicago
who had filed a lawsuit seeking to
remove the motto “In God We Trust”
from U.S. currency.
The ruling, released May 31, found
that “a reasonable observer would
not perceive the motto on currency
as a religious endorsement.”
Kenneth Mayle, who describes
himself as a non-theistic Satanist,
filed the original lawsuit in May
2017. A lower court had dismissed
the suit, and Mayle appealed.
The 36-year-old told the Chicago
Tribune that carrying and using
money with the motto “In God We
Trust” makes him feel compelled to
take part in a “submissive ritual” by
spreading a religious message with
which he disagrees.
He does not like to use credit or
debit cards due to late and overdraft
fees, as well as the potential for
security breaches, and says that
he would ideally prefer to use
cryptocurrency for all transactions.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals found that the currency
motto “is similar to other ways in
which secular symbols give a nod to
the nation’s religious heritage,” such
as the line “one nation under God”
in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A similar suit received a ruling on
May 29 from the 6th Circuit Court
of U.S. Appeals.
In that suit, a group of atheists and
humanists argued that the motto
on the currency required them to
“bear, affirm, and proselytize an
objectionable message in a way that…
violates their core religious beliefs.”
One Jewish plaintiff also argued
that “participation in any activity that
ultimately leads to the superfluous
printing of G-d’s name on secular
documents or to the destruction of
G-d’s printed name is sinful.”
A lower court had dismissed the case,
saying that cash-only transactions did
not compel proselytization.
The court of appeals agreed with
the lower court’s ruling. It said
that plaintiffs had failed to “show
a specific governmental intent to
infringe upon, restrict, or suppress
other religious beliefs” through the
motto on U.S. currency.
Although the plaintiffs said they
preferred to use cash over credit
or debit cards, the court said that
the existence of these alternatives
meant that the plaintiffs were not
forced “to choose between violating
their religious beliefs or suffering a
serious consequence” and therefore
could not demonstrate a substantial
burden on their free exercise of
religion.
The phrase “In God We Trust”
is the official motto of the United
States. It first appeared on certain
U.S. coins as early as 1864. A 1956
law required all U.S. currency to bear
the printed phrase.
The motto has faced several
lawsuits since 1970, which have
been repeatedly rejected by courts.
(CNA/EWTN News)
Journalists must meticulously uphold their craft of responsible
reporting and not be tempted into partisan or ideological warfare,
Pope Francis said. “Today, in a world where everything is fast, it
is ever more urgent to call upon the tough and strenuous rule of
exhaustive research, exchange and, if necessary, also keep quiet
rather than harm a person or group of people or delegitimize an
event,” he said. “I know it’s hard, but a life story is understood
at the end, and this should help us become courageous and
prophetic,” the pope told a delegation promoting integrity
in journalism June 4. The delegation, led by Simona Agnes,
represented the foundation and jury that award the Biagio Agnes
Prize. The prize is named after the late Italian journalist and
former general director of Italy’s state broadcasting network, RAI.
Biagio Agnes’ brother, Mario, was a journalist for the Catholic
press and headed the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano,
from 1984 to 2007. (Carol Glatz/CNS)
Pope ‘ashamed’ by church’s failure to listen to abuse survivors
In a letter to Catholics in Chile, Pope Francis expressed shame
for the church’s failure to listen and defend survivors of sexual
abuse at the hands of the clergy. Released by the Chilean bishops’
conference May 31, the letter from the pope said that the time of
“revision and purification” in the church was possible through
the efforts of abuse survivors “who, against all hope or painted
as discredited, did not tire of looking for the truth.” They are
“victims whose cries reached to heaven. I would like to once again
publicly thank all of them for the courage and perseverance,” the
pope wrote. (Junno Arocho Esteves/CNS)
CBCP Monitor June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 A3

Pope leads prayers for U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore

VATICAN CITY—Leading
thousands of people in prayer, Pope
Francis said he hoped the upcoming
summit between the United States
and North Korea would lead to
lasting peace.
After praying the Angelus with
an estimated 20,000 people in St.
Peter’s Square June 10, the pope
said he wanted to convey “a special
thought to the beloved Korean
people,” and he asked the crowd
to pray the “Hail Mary” so that
“Our Lady, Queen of Korea, may
accompany these talks.”
“May the talks that will take place
in the next few days in Singapore
contribute to the development of a
positive path that assures a future of
peace for the Korean peninsula and
the whole world,” Pope Francis said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong
Un and U.S. President Donald
Trump were to meet on Singapore’s
Sentosa Island for the historic
summit June 12. It was to be the
first meeting between a sitting
U.S. president and a North Korean
leader.
Before leading the crowds in
praying for the summit, the pope
reflected on the Sunday Gospel
reading in which Jesus confronts
“two types of misunderstandings”
from the scribes and his relatives.
By accusing Jesus of being
possessed and using the power of
the “prince of demons” to cast out
demons, the scribes fell into a great
sin of “denying and blaspheming
God’s love that is present and works
in Jesus,” he said.
Blasphemy, the pope said, “is a sin
against the Holy Spirit and the only
unforgivable sin because it comes
from a closure of the heart to God’s
mercy that acts in Jesus.”
Pope Francis told Christians they
should go to confession immediately
when they are tempted to speak
ill of another person because
“this attitude destroys families,
friendships, the community and
even society.”
“Here there is a truly mortal
poison: the premeditated malice one
uses to destroy the good reputation
of the other. May God free us from
this terrible temptation,” he said.
Another misunderstanding
described in the Gospel reading,
the pope continued, comes from
Jesus’ family who believed his
“new itinerant lifestyle seemed like
madness.”
In the Gospel, after Jesus was told
Nuclear war protesters demonstrate outside the White House in Washington August 9, 2017. Church officials called for dialogue to east North Korea tensions.
that his mother and his brothers TYLER ORSBURN/CNS
and sisters were asking for him, he
responds, “Here are my mother and toward his mother but instead answer also showed that Christians the pope said. “Speaking ill of
my brothers. For whoever does the it is “the greatest recognition, are united not by family bonds but others, destroying other people’s
will of God is my brother and sister because she is precisely the perfect by their “faith in Jesus.” reputations, makes us part of the
and mother.” disciple who obeyed God’s will in “Welcoming Jesus’ words makes devil’s family.” (Junno Arocho
Jesus’ response, the pope everything.” us brothers and sisters, it makes Esteves / Catholic News Service)
explained, is not a lack of respect Pope Francis said that Christ’s us members of Jesus’ family,”

Papal diplomat says US- Slain priest remembered for his love for poor
North Korea summit brings HE opted to be with the priest’s companions.
poor, to live with them on When Father Ventura and
the village,” the woman said.
“He really loved people,

hope for peace the peripheries, and there he his team left the mission especially the communities in
was killed doing what he was station in 2015, a chapel his mission area,” said Mae,
Pope Francis blesses Archbishop Alfred Xuereb during his episcopal ordination in St.
Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican March 19, 2018. PAUL HARING/CNS
VATICAN— Talks between
the leaders of the United
States and North Korea are
“truly historic” and bring
hope for the start of a new era
of peace, said Pope Francis’
ambassador to Korea.
A “very important” new
page has been turned,
Archbishop Alfred Xuereb,
apostolic nuncio to South
Korea and Mongolia, told
Vatican News June 12.
“It marks the beginning
of a still long and arduous
journey, but we are hopeful
because the start has been
very positive, very good,” he
said.
North Korean leader Kim
Jong Un and U.S. President
Donald Trump met on
Singapore’s Sentosa Island
for the historic summit June
12. It was the first meeting
between a sitting U.S.
president and a North Korean
leader.
Afterward, Trump said Kim
would work to end North
Korea’s nuclear program.
Trump promised to end joint
military exercises with South
Korea.
After the summit, Cardinal
Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of
Seoul, South Korea, and
apostolic administrator
of Pyeongyang, North
Korea, celebrated Mass in
Myeongdong Cathedral to
pray for prompt execution of
the summit agreement.
“When I heard the news
that there was a meaningful
agreement between the
two summits in their first
meeting, I deeply thanked
God to remember our prayers
for reconciliation and union
of the Korean people,”
Cardinal Yeom said in his
homily. “I sincerely wish
that the agreement can be
promptly executed to achieve
the common good not only
for Korean people but for all
people on the globe.”
He also added prayers
for the believers in North
Korea to have the freedom
of religion and be able to
lead humane lives as soon as
possible.
Archbishop Xuereb told
Vatican News the rhetoric
has gone from unleashing
“fire and fury” against North
Korea to more moderate
language “that speaks of
peace, of relations based on
understanding, therefore,
we are truly full of hope and
confidence.”
“You can imagine how
anxiously the Korean people
and the church here in Korea
are experiencing this truly
historic moment,” the papal
nuncio said.
“The Holy See wants to
support whatever possible
initiative that promotes
dialogue and reconciliation”
while also taking advantage
of being able to take the
Gospel message to everyone,
he said.
Pope Francis led thousands
of people in St. Peter’s Square
in prayer June 10, expressing
hopes the summit would lead
to lasting peace.
“May the talks,” he
said, “contribute to the
development of a positive
path that assures a future
of peace for the Korean
peninsula and the whole
world.”(Carol Glatz/CNS)
called to do — to be a pastor
to the Lord’s flock.
Father Mark Anthony
Yuaga Ventura took up the
challenge to serve in one of
the church’s most remote
stations in the northern
Philippines.
He left the comforts
enjoyed by a seminary rector,
not to have an adventure, but
to be one with the people,
especially farmers.
The 37-year-old priest, shot
and killed by gunmen on April
29, found among the poor a
community of Christians
who were spirituality and
economically hungry.
He first confronted the
difficult lives of farmers in
the village of Tanglagan, in
the northern Philippine town
of Gattaran.
In 2014, he led a team of
five missionaries to minister
to the rural poor and the
tribal people of Tanglagan.
There he showed his
leadership skills that
contributed to the growth
of Christian communities in
the village.
“He showed the poor that
the church was in solidarity
with them by preaching about
equality,” said one of the
Pope shares childhood memories with Italian children
POPE Francis told Italian schoolchildren
that he grew up in Buenos Aires,
Argentina, “the most beautiful city in the
world,” and that besides playing soccer,
he loved to fly kites as a child.
“We would make them with cane
and paper, light paper. We made them
ourselves,” the pope told about 500
children from schools in the poorer
neighborhoods of Rome and of Milan. In
the kite championship, he added, there
were prizes for “the prettiest one and for
the one that went highest.”
With the children seated around
him in the atrium of the Vatican
audience hall, Pope Francis answered
their questions about his childhood,
his school, his vocation and the
standard question children ask him,
“How did you feel when you were
chosen pope?”
Meeting the pope was the culmination
of the “Children’s Train” initiative of the
Pontifical Council for Culture and the
Italian state railroad.
Pope Francis urged the children
always to remember their first school
and first teacher.
“Can a tree whose roots have been
removed produce flowers?” the pope
asked. The children shouted, “No.”
People, too, have roots, he said. There
are “spiritual roots, home, family and
school. That is why I say don’t forget
your schools because they are roots of
your culture.”
“Do you remember what your teachers
painted in blue and white, the priest’s sister. “He would
was erected in the center explain to us that the church
of the village for people to has to reach out and serve the
worship regularly. poor.”
In 2016, the priest was sent Mae said his brother would
to the village of Mabuno in skip family gatherings on
San Isidro Labrador parish special occasions because “he
also in Gattaran. needed to be with the people
The new mission covered ... because his community
five farming and tribal had become his family.”
communities at the foot of On the day he was killed,
the Sierra Madre mountain Father Ventura left his hut on Father Mark Anthony Ventura interacts
range. the hill at 6 a.m. to say Mass with parishioners after Mass in the
northern Philippine Archdiocese of
“He asked for the in four villages. Tuguegarao. MARIA TAN
assignment,” recalled An hour later, he reached
Archbishop Sergio Utleg of the village of Pena Weste silence the church.
Tuguegarao. where he celebrated the Under Archbishop Utleg,
Father Ventura built a Eucharist attended by about Tuguegarao Archdiocese led
small chapel and a convent 100 villagers. a campaign that put an end
on top of a hill overlooking He was preparing to baptize to mining operations in the
the village and immersed several children while talking area.
himself in the life of the to members of the choir when Politicians who have an
community. the gunman approached and interest in mining were vocal
“Early morning, he would shot the priest in the head. in their opposition to the ban,
wave from the hill to people Archbishop Utleg later even accusing the archbishop
going to work,” said villager described the killer as “a and members of the clergy of
ZenaidaAlejo. product of a materialistic being communists.
She recalled several times society, where a majority of The ecumenical group
when the priest would join the people are jobless and Promotion of Church Peoples
farmers in the field. “He where there is less reverence Response described Father
would eat with them and for the sacred and for sacred Ventura’s killing as an attempt
laugh with them,” recalled persons.” “to sow fear and terror.”
Zenaida. Police investigators are still Meanwhile, the chapel and
She described the priest trying to find the motive for convent on top of the hill in
as “a young sweet boy” who the killing, but a parishioner the village of Mabuno remains
loved to call every one uncle said the attack on the priest without a priest. (Mark
or auntie. “He was a son of was “a bloody message” to Saludes/UCANews)
Pope Francis greets children during an audience with children participating in the “Train of Children” at the Vatican
June 9. Children from poor suburbs outside Milan arrived on a train that stopped at the Vatican. Also pictured is
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture. PAUL HARING/CNS
were like?” Anna Greta asked the how he came to understand “that you
81-year-old pope. were to live the life that you lived?”
He said one of his favorite teachers “I understood in pieces,” the pope
was named Estela; he was in her class answered. First, he decided to study
both for first and third grade. chemistry and he worked as a chemist
“She was great. She taught us how in a lab for four years, “and I liked this.
to write and read,” the pope said. Even But at a certain point, I understood
years later, he said, he remembered her that it did not fulfill me very much and
with gratitude because she helped him I thought I should do something for
get started in learning. others,” like maybe be a doctor.
“Already as a teenager, then as a But then, he said, one year on “the first
priest, I would phone her,” he said. day of spring in Argentina, Sept. 21,”
“Then, as a bishop, I helped her when because it’s in the southern hemisphere,
she was sick. She died when she was 94 “I felt in my heart that I should become
years old.” a priest. Bam. In a flash.” (Cindy
A boy named Malak asked the pope Wooden/CBCPNews)
A4 OPINION June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 CBCP Monitor

EDITORIAL

Killings
THEY are killing our flock. They are killing us the shepherds.
They are killing our faith. They are cursing our Church. They
are killing God again as they did in Calvary.
Killing is the solution. Killing is the language. Killing is the
way. Killing is the answer. Killing is encouraged. Killing is
their job. Killers are rewarded. Killers boast of their murders.
They kill in the streets. They kill inside homes. They kill in
tricycles and jeeps. They kill in plazas. They kill in the malls.
They kill in the chapels. The nation is a killing field. They kill
everywhere. They are happy to kill. But we are not a nation
of killers.
Are you still clapping? Are you still laughing? You still find
it funny? You still think “Dapat lang”? Are you still saying
“Pagbigyan natin”? Are you still saying our people feel safer
now? Are you still saying this is the best government we ever
had? Is this the change you want? Are these the changes you
dream of? Are you still saying “There are some good things
happening! Focus on the good”? If they curse us again for
speaking up, we will not be surprised.
Are you afraid to talk? You think silence is a virtue? You
think we your shepherds should sow unity by being like the

ILLUSTRATION BY BLADIMER USI

monkeys who see and speak and hear no evil? You think we
can be the next target if we speak? Do you still care? Where is
your faith? You talk in whispers. You are afraid to be heard?
Have we become numb and dumb?
“Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?” said King
Henry II about Saint Thomas Becket. Like blind fanatics, the
knights of the King went to the Cathedral, searched for the
Archbishop, hacked him and split his skull to make the King
happy but the king was unnerved instead. The King became
penitent and offered penance. The murderers were disgraced.
Increasing lawlessness Panaghoy
Today, the murderers are commended and the king is
undisturbed. Bp. Broderick Pabillo
(This is a guest editorial; lifted from the Message to the
People of God by the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Lingayen
Dagupan on June 12, 2018)
ANOTHER priest has been so brazen as to kill a priest as on drugs are filed “under Martial Law, it may not be
Truth has many layers murdered. he is about to celebrate mass investigation.” They will far-fetched to sense that
Last night, June 10, Fr. or has just celebrated mass remain unsolved! these killings are executed to
THERE’S an interesting episode in the gospel that tells us that Richmond Nilo, parish priest on a Sunday, then who could There is indeed an create a sense of helplessness
truth indeed has many layers and we just have to be careful of Zaragosa in Nueva Ecija of be safe? There is really no increasing lawlessness to justify a declaration of
with our assertions especially when done as if we already the diocese of Cabanatuan, longer any fear of God. in the country. Why? nationwide Martial Law. It
know everything. was gunned down and killed Are these two killings Not because the police is not Martial Law that can
It’s in the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 7. “Some in the instantly in the early evening related? We cannot say. It is or the military do not stop lawlessness. In fact
crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, ‘This is truly the as he was about to celebrate not only too early to say but have enough power; but it will bring about more
Prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’ But others said, ‘The mass in the barangay chapel the police are so inept that we because there is a culture lawlessness because all
Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture of Mayamot. Six Sundays may never be able to know the of impunity in the country. the more the police and
say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from ago, Fr. Mark Anthony facts and the perpetrators. Those who do wrong are the military will pursue
Bethlehem, the village were David lived?’” Ventura was also killed— Many high profile killings not held accountable while their operations without
Somehow, everyone said something truthful, but not gunned down—in Gattaran are not solved—with so many those declared “enemies” any accountability to
everyone was in the truth. This can happen to us in our town in Cagayan Valley after other killings of priests, like of Duterte are made to face civilian authorities. More
exchanges and discussions. We can say something truthful in celebrating morning mass. the killing of Fr. Tito Paez flimsy and even trumped up impartial and independent
the sense that we can cite certain data and facts, but we need He was still in his priestly in December 2017 also in cases, like in the case of Sen investigations are what we
to realize that data and garb. Both of them were killed Cabanatuan and even up to Delima, CJ Sereno, Sr. Pat need. More accountability
facts do not necessarily say the last word, and they can even as priests. Mistaken identity killing of Fr. Pops Tintorio Fox and many lumad and of the government to the
be contradicted in the end. could not be a reason. They in October of 2011 in North farmer leaders in Mindanao. people should be the call.
Yes, we need to realize that truth has many layers, levels, were really killed because Cotabato remains unsolved, Is this sense of lawlessness The people then have to be
dimensions and angles, and we just have to be careful and they are priests. or intentionally left unsolved. deliberately created? Some more active and vocal to call
prudent when making our assertions given this character of This is a very bad sign in If killings of priests are left with naughty minds may for accountability. Huwag
truth. At the very least, we have to be cordial and civil with the situation of the country unsolved, then what can think so. Like in the time tayo matakot at huwag tayo
each other especially when we find ourselves in opposite now. There is no more the ordinary citizen expect? of Marcos, when a “state magpabaya. No one is now
sides in a certain issue or topic. We also need to realize that consideration of who or what Thus the more the 20,000 of anarchy” was created to safe. Kaya makialam na
truth has its ultimate foundation in God who is the Creator a person is. If people could be killings in the name of war justify the declaration of tayong lahat!
of everything, and that every attempt we make to establish a
truth should always have a clear reference to and respect for
God. Otherwise, we would end up like the devil who is the
father of lies and can only dish out lies, citing facts and data. And That’s The Truth
Kiss kiss bang bang
In fact, in that temptation of Christ in the desert (cfr Mt
4,1-11), the devil cited scriptural passages to supports his
Teresa R. Tunay, OCDS
assertions. Indeed, the devil said something truthful, but in
the end he was actually lying. We may not have the intention
to lie or to deceive anyone with our statements, but we just
AFTER kissing a married woman on the before I could judge the act (without kiss is a kiss is a kiss, and a kiss on the
have to see to it that our assertions are not made as if they have
lips in public, what will Chief Executive being judgmental). I saw the lady’s lips is big time in our culture. See how
the final say about a certain issue, even if we have a plethora
Digong do next? I didn’t get the details reluctance, the president’s insistence, a lips-to-lips kiss caps our wedding
of data and facts to support our views. We should be open to
when I first heard of that “historic kiss” and the kiss which, truth to tell, ceremonies, where the groom waits
the positions of others and continue to probe our views to see
over the radio, and so I dismissed it as wasn’t intimate enough to spread a until the priest/minister says “You
to it that we are not missing anything.
just another Du30 gimmick. He was virus, but why did it go viral just the may now kiss the bride” before lifting
We should be open-minded and ready to revise or even
probably fishing for approval from the same? Why did CNN, BBC, Time, her veil and kissing her lips? Suddenly
change our views the moment we get hold of another piece
OFWs during his visit to South Korea, CBS, Washington Post among others you have this mischievous president
of data that sheds better light on our position. As much as
so what’s new? But when station after think it was newsworthy? The head of soliciting a kiss from somebody else’s
possible, we should avoid hardening our positions for the sake
station rattled on about “the kiss”, state who is known for getting into hot wife. What the ….! That would have
of protecting our personal views. Such attitude is what actually
and I learned soon after that the kiss water because of his mouth has done it constituted sexual harassment in the
generates unnecessary contentions and controversies that are
was on the lips, and that the woman again—this time not because of cussing corporate world!
very toxic to all of us. In the end, what really matters is that all
was married, and that our showman- but because of kissing; caused not by a But besides the fact of the kiss, it’s
efforts to get to the truth about anything should start and end
of-a-president demanded the kiss in joke, but by a joke of a kiss. the public reaction to the president’s
with God, and not just with facts and data alone. In fact, all
return for a scandalous book, I thought, The uproar was like thunder rolling intention that needs examination. The
efforts to get to the truth should be done in the context of love
“Uh-oh, that’s a material for my next from east to west, north to south—why? audience shrieked and hooted their
for God and for everyone, and for the salvation of mankind.
column.” Because—as the song goes, “You must approval of the act—why? Was it okay
Short of that, we would be playing with fire in our assertions.
And then came the videos, and remember this, a kiss is still a kiss, a that their country’s leader turned a kiss
We have to disabuse ourselves from developing a
the blasts from social media, pro sigh is just a sigh… The fundamental into live entertainment? Is it more
disordinate attachment to facts and data that ignores or even
and con. I had to watch the video things apply, as time goes by…” A And That’s the Truth / A6
is hostile to God’s will and ways, and is detached from the
ultimate context and perspective. In our discussions, it pays
to have a good grip on our emotions and passions, as well as
on our preferences and the many conditionings that we are
In his element Candidly Speaking
subjected to—our temperaments, our physical condition, our
cultural background, etc. Fr. Roy Cimagala

Monitor
CBCP
WE just celebrated the head of the Church. of the Church in spite of his speaking, our effectiveness
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart As such, we cannot defects, that he would be in in our pastoral work. But
of Jesus recently. There we overemphasize the need for his element when he gives his we have to understand that
PROTAGONIST OF TRUTH, PROMOTER OF PEACE were reminded of this very priests to be truly holy as to homily at Mass. there is something more
Pedro Quitorio moving truth of our faith be truly ‘another Christ,’ as He would exude some fundamental that is always
Editor-in-Chief
that it was from the pierced all Christians are supposed to kind of X factor that goes needed. And that is the very
heart of Jesus that not only be. Priests should somehow beyond whatever prowess spirit of Christ which we
Nirva’ana Delacruz Ron Ramos blood and water flowed but take the lead in this duty. It he may have in terms of ought to acquire, develop,
Associate Editor Design Artist rather through them the has to be understood that to his knowledge in theology deepen and enrich.
nourishing sacraments and be ‘another Christ’ as head and philosophy, his ability We should aim to make as
Roy Lagarde Mercedita Juanite all the salvific means we need of the Church, priests should at public speaking, and the our own what St. Paul once
News Editor Circulation Manager
have been made available be willing to give their all, fruitfulness of his pastoral said: “We have the mind of
Christine Paguirigan Marcelita Dominguez to us. to the extent of willing to be work, etc. In a sense, he Christ,” (1 Cor 2,16) and “It
Managing Editor Comptroller The Solemnity also crucified and pierced in the exudes a certain sacred aura is no longer I who live, but it
happens to be the Day of heart. that the people can easily is Christ who lives in me. And
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the Areopagus
Communications, Inc. with editorial and business offices at
the Sanctification of Priests, I would say that it is perceive. the life I now live in the flesh
Ground Flr., Holy Face of Jesus Center & Convent, 1111 an intriguing coincidence when a priest at least would We, priests, should try, of I live by faith in the Son of
F. R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila. Editorial: (632) 404 - meant to highlight the strict pursue in earnest his own course, to master as much God, who loved me and gave
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of the priests with Christ as to be ‘another Christ’ as head philosophy, our art of public Candidly Speaking / A6
CBCP Monitor June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 OPINION A5

Are (some or all) Filipino priests

By the Roadside The View from the Mountain
now targets of systematic
Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR, STD
Fr. Eutiquio ‘Euly’ Belizar, Jr. SThD assassination squads?

ONE cannot help but ask that question,

especially after three priests have
recently been murdered in similar
numbing and callous. Frs. Ventura
and Nilo were both killed in Church,
the first shortly after Mass and the
indeed, a list of priests to be taken
down via assassinations. What is more,
his name is included among them. It is
The challenges the
circumstances, with nothing definitely,
credibly and reliably acceptable coming
other before he actually started the
Eucharistic celebration. If the killers
hard to tell if this list actually exists and
whether or not it is in the hands of both
Church in the
out of any investigations. Fr. Marcelito
Paez, killed in December 2017, Fr. Mark
were Catholic or, at least, Christian, they
must have deadened their consciences
the mastermind(s) and the killers. But,
as the old-age adage tells us, it is better
Philippines Faces
Anthony Ventura, killed on April 29, or simply refused to heed them. Striking to err on the side of caution. (Part I)
2018 and Fr. Richmond Nilo, killed in a person before or after a religious act The CBCP has not been remiss in
the afternoon of June 10, 2018 just days with the intention of murdering him denouncing the evil and cowardly
IF we want the Church to survive and thrive we need to
after Fr. Rey Urmeneta of Calamba, or her not only is extraordinarily cruel acts of those who have planned,
constantly look at the big picture and the long view. This
Laguna was hurt in an assassination but also extremely inhuman. Their commanded and executed the killings
requires looking at the external opportunities and threats as
attempt are now just pieces of news victims were totally unarmed, unfairly of priests and many other Filipinos,
well as our internal weaknesses and strengths. The question
that, nevertheless, still shock in that targeted when they had little chance to mostly among our poor, in the ongoing
we need to answer is: What are the challenges the Church
they seem to go against the grain of the escape or defend themselves. Only cold- anti-illegal-drug war. Perhaps the
is facing today and in the coming decades, and how can the
Filipino culture’s respect cum reverence blooded murderers who have habitually bishops should also collectively as
Church respond to these challenges?
for religious leaders. denounced God or his commandments well as individually take necessary
The first challenge is that of globalization. All the nations and
The impunity with which these crimes in their hearts and lives are capable of measures to protect the security of
economies of the world are now interconnected. Globalization
have been carried out stands out. Not such barbarity. their priests, particularly in far-flung
has been brought about by advances in technology—through
only has the highest office of the land What could be the reason or reasons and impoverished places they minister
means of communication and travel. The world has indeed
taken note of this impunity; it has behind the killings? This question is as to. As fathers of dioceses, they owe it
become a global village. Globalization has brought economic
virtually left it un-dented. Investigations inevitable as it is necessary. Could it be to to their priests to keep their freedom
progress to many underdeveloped countries. The Asian region
are being called. But, judging from silence the victims permanently and thus to evangelize safeguarded. To say
(especially South-East Asia) has become the fastest growing
the history of such similar acts taken render their work for evangelization, for that the risk to life and limb comes
economy with high GDP. But this growth has not been
recently by government, truth may social justice, for the environment, for with the territory also helps, but it
inclusive, benefiting only local economic and political elites
have to be suspended until further peace and human rights inutile? Could should not be uttered at the expense
and transnational corporations. Poverty remains a problem.
notice. For one, there is a lingering it be to intimidate the clergy as a whole of genuine concern for their brother
The poor has been left behind—including the indigenous
doubt about the government being into silence about its denunciations of priests’ or religious’ security. After
peoples. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened.
independent or objective enough to carry social evils as tremendously hazardous all, even Jesus did not unnecessarily
The economic system has resulted in ecological and
the investigations through impartially. to their health? Or could it be a direct expose himself to risks ahead of his
environmental degradation due to mining, logging, coal-
These doubts come with suspicions that threat to the Catholic Church in the time. Still, even bishops, no matter
fired power plants, and dependence on fossil fuels. The
forces with links to the government Philippines that unless she refrains from the length and breadth of their efforts
Philippines have become one of most vulnerable countries
might even be behind the killings, given speaking her mind on matters that put to secure their priests, can never
to calamities and disasters brought about by climate change
the seemingly endless and virulent anti- the country’s situation in a bad light, prevent a determined assassin’s bullet.
and global warming. Super-typhoons like Yolanda and floods
priests, anti-hierarchy and anti-Catholic as though it is not bad enough, these Priests and Religious must never fail to
are becoming the new normal. The poisoning of the land, air,
Church rhetoric issuing forth from the are samples of consequences she must constantly call on the Highest Power
and seas is affecting the livelihood and public health.
highest official of the country. Perhaps expect? in prayers and supplications born of
Globalization has made possible the flow of migration—
only a foreign investigative body could One priest, well/placed in the faith and a love that is, at the end of
from the underdeveloped countries to the more developed
lay to rest such doubts and suspicions. hierarchy, confessed to having received the day, ready to give all back to the
economies, and from the rural areas to the urban areas. In the
The latest two killings are particularly credible information that there is, One from whom all came.
short term, this has been economically beneficial to OFWs’
families, keeping the economy afloat. The Philippines sends
Fake news is gossip out one of the highest number of migrant workers. Filipinos
Duc in Altum can be found in almost all parts of the world—the Middle
East, North America, Europe, and in Asia-Oceania (Japan,
Atty. Aurora A. Santiago Korea, Australia). The lack of national industrialization
and agricultural development coupled with better job
opportunities abroad will continue to perpetuate and increase
foreign and domestic migration.
DATELINE: Los Angeles, and our pursuit of goodness.” of Pasig, together with in the Service of the New What is the effect of globalization and a neo-liberal capitalist
California—Pope Francis He again mentioned his Rev. Fr. Joselito Jopson, Evangelization by Prof. system on culture? Through technology, the liberal values
cautioned the faithful on disapproval of fake news Executive Secretary. Early Erika Fille T. Legara, Ph.D. of the dominant Western (European and North American)
what gossips can do to a which is false information Bird participants will enjoy of the Asian Institute of culture are influencing the local culture. Among these values
person. “Gossip is not a work that leads to arrogance and discounted registration fee if Management. are consumerism, materialism, secularism, autonomy,
of the Holy Spirit, it is not hatred. they would register and pay There are 5 tracks for the independence, sexual permissiveness, privacy, individual
a work of the unity of the Fake news can make on or before July 31, 2018. participants: Indigenous rights, personalism, equality, liberty, etc. Those who are easily
church. Gossip destroys the or break a person. It can The convention, hosted by People (We accompany each influenced by these values are the young people and those
work of God. Please stop also break a family, an the Archdiocese of Davao, other); Lay Worker (You are living in urban areas. These values can easily be assimilated
gossiping. Gossip is war.” organization, a community. will be held from August 6 to so precious); Inter-religious due to technology (the internet, social media, movies, TV,
The Pope firmly stated that Fake news can break a 9, 2018 at Mergrande Ocean Dialogue (We journey etc). Thus, there is an emerging youth culture that transcends
people who receive and give government. It can break Resort in Talomo, Davao City together); Marginalized national and regional borders. Young people from all over the
the sign of peace should be peace and can cause war. with the theme “Ako Ni Bai people (Come and join); 911 world can share the same values, the same taste for clothes,
men and women of peace Everyone must be discreet (It is I). The keynote speaker Safety and Security (Just music, food, and the kind of relationships they want to have.
and should not ruin the peace and careful in spreading is Most Rev. Romulo Valles, trust) This development can lead to a more marked generation gap
given by the Holy Spirit. fake news. A person must D.D., CBCP President and Holy Hour and Morning and tension. Young people and even older ones influenced
Peace is a gift that can easily not share unconfirmed social Archbishop of Davao. Hon. Liturgy will be presided by by this liberal culture can come in conflict with authority
be destroyed through petty media information. Always Sarah Duterte-Carpio, Davao Bishop Vergara and Most figures—within the family, village, religious community, and
gossip and speaking ill of verify the news and the City Mayor, will deliver the Rev. Guillermo Afable, D.D., society. If not handled well, this could lead to either alienation
others. That gift can be lost if source of the news. welcome remarks. Bishop of Digos; or rejection of family values, religion and even rebellion
Christians start saying mean ***= Plenary guest speakers The Presider in the Holy against those in authority. The younger generation may not
things about each other once This message of Pope will discuss the following Eucharist are Archbishop be as religious as their elders. If they find religion meaningless
they leave the Mass. Francis during the 52nd topics: “Let us know each Romulo Valles; Most Rev. or irrelevant, they will seek meaning in other religions or will
The Pope is very consistent World Communications Day other” (Fake News) by Edwin dela Peňa, D.D. Bishop adopt the secularism of the West.
in his message, thus, “The truth will set you free. Rev. Fr. Jboy Gonzales, of the Prelature of Marawi; These cultural and economic developments are also
during the 52nd World Fake news and journalism SJ; “Watch Out” (Data Most Rev. Abel Apigo, D.D., affecting the family. The families are getting smaller as more
Communications Day, he for peace,” serves as the Analytics and Storytelling Bishop of Mati and Bishop and more younger people—including women—are focusing
again stated that “the capacity inspiration and guide of in Catholic Fund Raising) by Vergara. more on their career and marrying late or never marrying at
to twist the truth is symptoatic the 4th National Catholic Mr. Chris Herron, Former *** all. A contraceptive mentality contributes to this. The OFW
of our condition, both as Media Convention of the Director of Development and Happy 120th Independence phenomenon is also weakening the family. Oftentimes, one
individuals and communities. Catholic Bishop Conference Fundraising of the Catholic, Day to all of us Filipinos, or both parents are abroad, leaving behind their children.
On the other hand, when we of the Philippines (CBCP) Archdiocese of Sydney; wherever we may be! Let us Lack of parental care can lead to problematic young people.
are faithful to God’s plan, Episcopal Commission on “It’s Alright” (Affirmative protect our freedom. Our This can lead to being influenced by gangs or by drugs. The
communication becomes an Social Communications Journalism) by Atty. ancestors and heroes fought weakening of the family and the more secular values of young
effective expression of our chaired by Most Rev. Hubert Jesus Dureza, Secretary of for our independence and people can also affect vocations to religious life.
responsible search for truth Mylo Vergara, D.D. Bishop OPPAP; and Data Science Duc in Altum / A6 Looking at the political terrain, authoritarian rule is back.
Although democracy had been restored after the Marcos
dictatorial rule, President Rodrigo Duterte appears to be

Whatever Remember me following the footsteps of his idol, Ferdinand Marcos. He

Fr. Francis Ongkingco
THE experience of forgetting things can
give rise to a mixture of amusement,
frustration, and irritation.
It can be amusing when we resort to
declaring “senior moments” so as to
mask the shame of forgetting trivial
things. It can be frustrating when
we lose track of important ordinary
household or office implements (e.g. car
keys, glasses, passwords, etc.) that can
distract us from our duties. It can also be
irritating when others around us become
collateral damage to our forgetfulness
(e.g. missing an appointment, a chore
or some favor asked of us, etc.)
With age and infirmity setting in,
remembering things may not be as easy
as before. We have to simply and humbly
embrace this season of our lives and
allow material and human aids to help
us continue remembering things.
But to forget people, especially our
loved ones who have died, is far worse
than forgetting to update our profile
picture, to charge our phone, to get the
latest NBA scores, etc.
Lately, two animated films, The Book
of Life (2014) and Coco (2017) focused
on the importance of remembering our
loved ones who have gone ahead of us.
When people here on earth forget their
deceased relatives, then they cease to
exist also in the so-called spiritual realm.
Of course, this is only according to the
movie.
In reality, the person’s soul is
immortal, but its state in the other life
is of complete insufficiency. This means
that whatever they were capable of doing
for and by themselves in this life no
longer applies in the next. This is the
perennial teachings of Scripture and the
Church’s tradition.
Imagine how it frustrating it feels
not be able to do the simplest things by
oneself in this life? Sick and disabled
persons are totally dependent on their
caregivers for almost everything. But
despite their condition, they can still
manage to pray for themselves and
others, offer up their inconveniences for
others and more!
Once we die, however, the capacity
to pray and gain merit for ourselves is
no longer possible. We may pray and
intercede for our loved ones on earth,
but we now count on the prayers of
the living for us who may still require
purification in purgatory.
A forgotten person in purgatory has
to endure something that no ordeal
in life can equal: being delayed from
reaching man’s greatest fulfillment,
heaven! One may be forgotten on
earth, but he can still manage to move
on in life. But in the next life, the
state of profound helplessness will be
eternally felt.
This is why we are encouraged to
constantly remember our loved ones
through prayer, our sacrifices, and
work. Thus, we journey together, and in
the end we shall lovingly embrace one
another because in reality we have never
parted ways.
controls not just the executive branch but also the legislative
and judicial branches of government, thereby weakening the
system of check and balance. Due to the absence of genuine
political parties and the prevalence of political dynasties, it
has been easy for politicians to switch parties and join the
super majority for their own vested interest.
Both judiciary and Congress have become mere rubber
stamps to Duterte’s political agenda. Duterte has been able
to carry out his bloody “War on Drugs” with impunity which
has resulted in over 20,000 extrajudicial killings of suspected
users and pushers—most of them poor. He was able to
declare martial law in Mindanao and to extend it with the
support of Congress and the Supreme Court. He threatened
to declare martial law in the entire country and to establish
a revolutionary government. There won’t be need for it with
the way he has established political hegemony, weakened the
rule of law, and violated human rights. Meanwhile, the change
he has promised remains elusive: the drug problem and
criminality remain unsolved, there is still much corruption
in government, poverty has not been alleviated, taxes have
increased, the prices of basic commodities have increased,
there is no peace, and the poor continue to bear the brunt
of it all. Meanwhile, Duterte continues his tirade against the
Church which he regards as a threat to his rule.
What is the long-term consequence of this political
situation? This could lead to an economic crisis. There
are less foreign investments coming in due to the political
uncertainty and Duterte’s pro-China policy. His “build,
build, build” policy can lead to debt-servitude to China and
increase the national debt. The European Union (EU) has
The View from the Mountain / A6
A6 LOCAL NEWS June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 CBCP Monitor

Priest cheats death in Laguna shooting attack New bishop Dael

A CATHOLIC priest cheated
death when a man fired shots
at his car in Calamba City on
Wednesday.
Injured in the attack, Fr.
Rey Urmeneta of the St.
Michael the Archangel Parish
in Calamba was rushed to a
hospital.
A police report said the
priest with his secretary were
on their way to a meeting
when the attack occurred at
around 9:40am.
Urmeneta, a former police
chaplain, suffered wounds to
his left upper back and left
arm, but in now in a stable
condition.
Authorities said the
suspect escaped on board
motorcycle driven by another
man towards unknown
dines with poor after
direction.
Urmeneta became the
ordination
third victim of violent attacks
against clerics in the span of
six months.
In April, Fr. Mark Ventura
of the Archdiocese of
Tuguegaraio was shot dead
shortly after celebrating
Sunday Mass in Gattaran
town, Cagayan.
On Dec. 4, Fr. Marcelito
Paez of the San Jose diocese
was also shot and killed by
still unidentified men in
Jaen, Nueva Ecija province. A screenshot of the CCTV footage obtained by local police authorities on the shooting
(CBCPNews) of Fr. Rey Urmeneta in Calamba City on June 6.

Businessmen urged: ‘Help build God’s kingdom’ Bishop Raul Dael of Tandag dines with a street child at a public park after his episcopal
AT the formal launching of the Bishops- leisure, Tobias explained the day’s contribute–help out in your own field ordination at the St. Augustine Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro City, June 7, 2018. PHOTO
Businessmen’s Conference Diocese Gospel from Mark 12:13-17 about of concentration, in what you are doing FROM DXGN SPIRIT FM-DAVAO

of Novaliches chapter on June 5, “paying Caesar what belongs to Caesar everyday,” he stressed, clarifying the AFTER his episcopal he shared that, during his
Novaliches Bishop Antonio R. Tobias, and to God what belongs to God.” purpose of the event. ordination, Bishop Raul childhood days, he would
D.D. urged entrepreneurs to work hand Dael has chosen to dine with use the five-peso birthday
in hand with the Catholic Church in the ‘New heaven, new earth’ Promoting social justice together the city’s often overlooked gift from his mother to buy
work of evangelization. “There is a contest between Caesar Tobias also cited the establishment of population: the poor and the “pan de sal” for the whole
“My dear friends–I call you friends– and God,” he stressed, noting, however, guilds in the Middle ages which people homeless. family instead of spending it
businesses in the different professions. that what is foremost is the “building joined based on their professions. Dael was ordained bishop for himself.
That work you do is part of the making of God’s kingdom” through what one “…I believe this is the precursor of the Thursday at the Saint “I remember my mother
of the new heaven and the new earth. does in life. Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference,” he Augustine Cathedral then every time I celebrate my
Let us build that together and help each According to the bishop, the early revealed. moved to a nearby park as birthday,” he added, honoring
other in reaching it,” said the prelate in Christians’ belief in Christ’s second The Bishops-Businessmen’s poor people gathered for a his deceased parents.
a Eucharistic celebration that formally coming and his establishment of “a Conference for Human Development meal held by the archdiocese. More than 2,000 people,
opened the said event held at the Obispado new heaven and a new earth where (BBC) Diocese of Novaliches chapter The new bishop of Tandag including the clergy, nuns
de Novaliches in Fairview in this city. righteousness dwells” is a better context was established on Jan. 25, 2018, had wanted to hold the and local government officials
Addressing attendees composed to root the shared work of evangelization. Tobias’ 35th episcopal ordination reception at the Gaston Park attended the the ceremony
of entrepreneurs from various fields, “Well, we put together different anniversary. (Minnie Agdeppa/ outside the cathedral “where rite led by Cardinal Luis
including architecture, medicine, and groups of people because all of us CBCPNews) the poor are not considered Antonio Tagle of Manila.
as gatecrashers”. Dozens of other bishops
Seminarians asked: ‘Why be quiet when faith is being attacked?’ Dael’s soft spot for the less also graced the occasion
fortunate is understandable, including Cardinal Orlando
IN the light of the recent they are taken for granted. Institutionis Sacerdotalis (RFIS): that we should be afraid of. having been raised from Quevedo of Cotabato and
killing of Fr. Richmond Nilo, Critics are being attacked A Historical, Theological, and They are not victims. They a poor family in Jasa-an, Archbishop Romulo Valles,
a priest from the Diocese and silenced whenever they Pastoral Progress in Seminary are martyrs. They show us Misamis Oriental. president of the Catholic
of Cabanatuan, a prelate speak against them. Yet why Formation,” the bishop how valuable priesthood The Latin phrase “Duc Bishops’ Conference of the
called on seminarians of will you be quiet when your discussed the importance of is. It is willing to stand up in altum” (cast out into Philippines.
the Immaculate Conception faith is being attacked?” integral formation among future amidst persecution…” A the deep), in Dael’s coat of Pope Francis appointed
Major Seminary (ICMAS) said Kalookan Bishop and priests as they prepare to face the known and vocal critic of the arms, re-echoes the call of Dael as bishop of Tandag on
here in this town to resist CBCP vice president Pablo challenges of the priesthood. government’s war on drugs, the Church to evangelize Feb. 26, replacing retired
keeping silent, especially in a Virgilio David, who gave the Mentioning the recent he stressed that a good priest the people, especially the Bishop Nereo Odchimar who
time when the faith is being keynote address at the Lectio killings of priests, David said: is first “a good person, then be marginalized sectors of served the diocese for 17
attacked. Magistralis, a lecture to the “Looking into the death of a good Christian.” “Only then society. years.
“People know how active ICMAS community. priests like Fr. Richmond’s, can you be a good priest,” In his thanksgiving Prior to his episcopal
I am when it comes in Expounding on the theme it is true that there are now stressed David. (Kendrick message, he pointed out appointment, he has been
speaking for drug addicts, “IntegratingtheEssentialInsights a number of priests being Ivan B. Panganiban/ that the poor are “part of the serving as the Vicar for the
especially in my diocese, how of the Ratio Fundamentalis killed. Yet it is not something CBCPNews) banquet of the Church”. Clergy of the Cagayan de Oro
“It is good to realize that, archdiocese.
And That’s the Truth / A4 most often, it is the poor On June 14, Dael will be
important to be “made happy” than to anyone asking about the choice of Jim Mattis of China’s “intimidation and who feeds the Church,” said officially installed as the
be made proud of your well-mannered the book the president gave away to coercion” in the South China Sea. Do Dael. “How I wish that this third bishop of Tandag in
president? True to form, Digong said Overseas Filipino Workers in South Pinoys care about that? cathedral has no pillars and Surigao del Sur, located
of his critics, “Inggit lang kayo!” while Korea? “Altar of Secrets: Sex, Money On the same day, a 64-year-old walls so that I can see people approximately 300
his spokesman said that kiss is an “act and Politics in the Philippine Catholic Catholic priest, Fr. Rey Urmeneta of outside—people touched by kilometers east of Cagayan
of endearment” to show the president Church”—a pathetic rehash of the St. Michael the Archangel parish in the mystery of God.” de Oro. (CBCPNews)
does love the OFWs. (OmG, roll your author’s previously published articles Calamba was on his way to a church At one point of his speech,
eyes and chuckle, it’s Mediocrity which didn’t quite make the cut due meeting when two would be assassins
Candidly Speaking / A4
Unlimited.) to its glaring lack of depth. Why did shot him. He sustained two gunshot
I’m sorry for the lady—Bea Kim, the president choose to spread this wounds but survived the attack. More Even in our moments sacramental conformation
married to a Korean national, mother “book” instead of giving the overseas shootings: also on June 6, police of rest and recreation, to Christ in Holy Orders,
of two—who seemed to think she Pinoys something really useful and gunned down two suspected robbers in this awareness of our we priests need to pray
had no choice. There were two constructive? Like maybe a coffee separate incidents in Cavite—the first identification as ‘another and make sacrifices daily,
Filipinas on stage reportedly; the table book about the beauty of the was one of two motorcycle-riders who Christ,’ head of the Church, celebrate the Mass and avail
first one offered her cheek which Philippines to show off to their non- tried to steal from a convenience store should never be lost. Rather it of the sacrament of penance
the president kissed without a fuss. Filipino friends. Or maybe a volume in Silang; the second was a trespasser should always be nourished, regularly, and study. The
But Bea, upon Digong’s insistence, on Workers’ Rights to educate and in a subdivision in Tagaytay. protected, defended and priestly formation never ends.
relented and allowed him to do as empower the OFWs. Or perhaps an Because we Pinoys love circuses, reinforced. Let’s remember The priestly discipline should
he’d wanted. That’s what’s pathetic. Etiquette Book that may help them we have become deaf to the gunshots that it is actually Christ who be exercised constantly.
Well, maybe she is not old enough deal smoothly with their employers and around us, or even to the threat of war. would give us the proper rest. When we would be truly
to stand shoulder to shoulder with other people they meet abroad? Why of A kissing here, a shooting there—made (cfr. Mt 11,28) identified with Christ, then
the president. She could have said, all books, this one? No malice? Giving me title this piece “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, In this way, we would be giving a homily would be no
smiling, “No way, Mr. President, my that book to people and then asking although this has nothing to do with the ready not only to show Christ problem at all. Like the Boy
husband will divorce me! Sapisngi na for a kiss in return—hello, presidential Hollywood black comedy bearing that but rather to be ‘another Christ’ Scouts, we would always be
lang po!” Or she could have given her advisers, do you love your country? It’s name. I’d like to echo the women’s at any given moment, knowing prepared. In fact, we would
hand to be kissed instead. I wonder like giving rotting fish for people to eat sentiments during their Independence how to take care of the flock, be in our element when
what Mr. Kim feels now, or how that and then ordering them to pay a steep Day march last June 12. Enraged over the people of God, leading giving the homily. We would
viral video of his wife being kiss by price for it. All in the name of “making the kissing incident in South Korea, them to where they should be. not sound sophomoric,
a notoriously womanizing president them happy”? the marchers—bearing a huge streamer We would be ready to give the “trying hard,” dilettantish,
will affect their marital life from now And so the fuss over the kiss went on, that said “Babae Ako, Lumalaban!”— proper answers and solutions amateurish, etc. In fact, we
on. I also wonder what Sarah Duterte overshadowing much more important protested Duterte’s “misogynistic” to questions and problems at would have the eloquence
or Honeylet or ex-wife Elizabeth think issues. On the same day of “the kiss”, ways, recalling his unabashed any given moment. of the Holy Spirit. And the
of it? Or what Kitty feels among her June 6, Beijing must have bristled as a admission of his womanizing, his rape This is no easy task, of people will get convinced
schoolmates talking behind her back. US military ship—the USNS Milinocket, jokes, and his ordering soldiers to shoot course. But the means are they are not only hearing Fr.
What’s even more regrettable is how which can transport troops, boasts of a rebel women in their private parts, the always there. Aside from the so-and-so, but Christ himself.
Mrs. Kim apparently felt obliged to helipad and has loading ramps for over a thousand women said “We have
defend the president’s temerity by military vehicles—was reported to had enough”. For your own good, Mr. The View from the Mountain / A5
telling media that there’s no malice in have docked in Palawan, which faces President, enough of kiss kiss bang
threatened to withdraw the the Duterte regime, the
that kiss which “didn’t mean anything the South China Sea. On top of that, bang—and do be careful. Next time
GPS—the duty-free privilege Philippines will continue to
except to entertain and make other two nuclear-capable US bombers flew you kiss a woman in public, they might
for Philippine goods that deal with weakened political
Filipinos in the gathering happy.” near Spratly Islands, in the wake of the just take you down with a bang. And
enter the EU—due to the institutions, with political
Okay. “no malice” then. But is accusation by US Defense Secretary that’s the truth.
lack of respect for human dynasties, with voters
rights and rule of law. who are easily bought and
Duc in Altum / A5
The political situation has continue to elect popular
we must always remember to clean fuel during the a quote from his Encyclical the Diocese of Kalookan; become unstable and the and wealthy yet incompetent
that. We do not know them, Vatican conference dedicated Laudato Sì: “There is no also same greetings to Rev. economic crisis could worsen candidates. Poverty will still
but we owe them all! One of to “Energy Transition and time to lose: We received the Fr. Nestor Estanislao. Happy the political crisis and vice- be a major problem. The
them was my father Benito Care for our Common earth as a garden-home from Sacerdotal Anniversary to versa. The International environmental crisis will
Espiritu Santiago who Home”. Pope Francis said the Creator; let us not pass it Bishop Francis De Leon, Rev. Criminal Court has started worsen. The economy will
served in the Commonwealth “civilization requires energy on to future generations as a Fr. James Ty, IVE, Rev. Fr. a preliminary investigation continue to benefit only a
Army and under Andersons but energy use must not wilderness”. Mandhy Malijan, OP. and Fr. into the complaint against few. More and more people
Guerilla during World War destroy civilization”. The Mario Cueto, Duterte on “crimes against will resort to violence if the
II. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Pope further said that the *** June 13 is the birthday humanity.” There is a problems of society persist
world needs to come up with We would like to greet a of my late mother Gloria growing resistance to the and no peace agreement
*** an energy mix that combats very Happy Birthday to Most Angeles Santiago. Our family regime as more and more is reached as the seeds of
Pope Francis urged top pollution, eliminates poverty Rev. Francis De Leon, D.D., request the pious readers to people become disenchanted radicalism continue to be
senior executives of leading oil and promotes social justice. Bishop of Antipolo and former pray for the eternal repose of and angered by what is sown in the next generation.
and gas companies to convert The Pope ended his talk with Apostolic Administrator of her soul. happening. Even beyond (To be continued)
CBCP Monitor
Boracay residents
face eviction
Residents of Boracay Island board a boat bound for the mainland in Aklan province on June 3. Over 400 families living on the island face eviction because
of the government’s rehabilitation program for the island. MARK SALUDES/UCAN
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan—
Residents of Boracay, a small island
in the central Philippines known
for its resorts and beaches, are
facing eviction as the government
implements what it describes as a
rehabilitation program.
At least 426 poor families have
already received eviction orders from
the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources.
A Catholic fact-finding mission on
June 2 found that at least 30 percent
of householders facing displacement
are original inhabitants.
Monsignor Meliton Oso, social
action director for the Archdiocese
of Jaro, expressed shock that
legitimate residents were being
ejected from their homes.
The priest said it was frustrating
that the government allowed the
construction of businesses on
Boracay, but expelled those who
could not raise their voices or
engage in legal battles.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier
this year ordered a six-month
tourism shutdown on the island
because of pollution and threats to
the environment posed by resorts
and other establishments.
Following the closure of the island
on April 26, the government also
ordered people living in some still
forested areas to leave.
Western Visayas holds synchronized prayer vigil for family, life
JARO, Iloilo— As a public
manifestation of unity
of the Family and Life
Ministry in the region
of Western Visayas, the
ecclesiastical Provinces
of Jaro and Capiz held a
synchronized prayer vigil
for family and life issues
on divorce, SOGIE, same-
sex union on the feast days
of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus and the Immaculate
Heart of Mary, on June 8
until the following day.
In the Archdiocese of
Jaro a “prayer vigil to
promote and protect the
sanctity and integrity of
marriage, family, and
life” was held on June 8,
feast of the Sacred Heart
of Jesus, at the Jaro
Metropolitan Cathedral,
Jaro Plaza, Iloilo City.
“We would like to open
our minds and heart
towards deeper awareness
that God’s love grows
in families as ‘seedbed
of vocations,’” said Fr.
Murder / A1
Cabanatuan said the priest’s death
was a “tragic day and an irreparable
loss” for the diocese.
“We condemn in the strongest
possible terms and deeply mourn
the brutal murder of Fr. Nilo,
and the escalating violence and
culture of impunity in the country
even against helpless clergymen,”
Bancud said.
He said that no priest, and no
human being for that matter,
deserves to be killed with utter
June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 DIOCESAN NEWS A7
Yolanda victims pick up
pieces with church help
A priest blesses housing units built by the Catholic church in Tacloban City in 2016. MA. REGIE RUEGO/UCAN
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte— To date, of full ownership.”
the social action arm of the Catholic All the targets for the three-
Church has been able to help about year program in nine dioceses
1.8 million people affected by the covering 51 towns and 166 villages
destruction brought by Super in the central Philippines were
Typhoon Haiyan that struck the accomplished.
central Philippines in 2013. When asked what has made the
The church’s recovery and church projects more successful
rehabilitation program has than government initiatives, Father
become one of its largest and far- Virgilio Canete of Palo Archdiocese
reaching natural disaster responses, pointed to the absence of “red tape.”
amounting to about US$50 million. The priest said government
Estelita Mariano, an 80-year- building ‘on-site relocation’ facilities It is no surprise that the efficient “procedures on procurement
old mother of 14, said her family for poor families. response from the church has been demand a lot of signatories.”
has been living on the island for He said evicting the original compared with how the Philippine “The situation post-Haiyan was
generations, but had not been able settlers was tantamount to their government implemented post- such that government agencies
to secure a land title deed. disenfranchisement and denial of Haiyan rehabilitation programs. involved got tied up,” said Father
“Our parents and grandparents both livelihoods and land rights. Almost five years after the disaster, Canete, adding that the church had
were not aware of land titling,” At least 36,000 workers the government response has been the advantage of more volunteers.
Mariano said. have reportedly lost their jobs beset with issues of corruption and Rina Reyes, leader of the Rights
“They were fisher folk and farmers since the closure of the island, alleged substandard construction of Network, a land-rights group, says
long before the businessmen came according to the activist group houses for survivors. government rehabilitation efforts
here.” Rise Up Aklan. Of 205,128 housing units that have not been successful “because
The Environment Department Gariguez said his office has were supposed to be built, only the affected population was not
said only a third of the island, already allocated about US$6,000 67,754 units, or 33 percent, are consulted.”
or about 292 hectares, has legal to assist in the education of affected fully completed. So far, only 34.3 She points to “uncoordinated
ownership and that it belongs to children in at least one school. percent of the completed homes efforts of government agencies
one family that started securing “We still have to look for resources are occupied. ... that do not talk to each other
titles in 1931. to help children whose parents lost Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines to resolve roadblocks, hindering
“All other claimants only have their jobs because of the shutdown,” reports that it was able to repair rehabilitation needs.”
tax declaration documents as said the priest. 593 housing units and construct “There is lack of a concrete
proof of ownership,” said lawyer “We have to assist them to ensure 768 transitional units, 1,923 rehabilitation plan that suit the
Richard Fabila, head of Boracay’s that their rights are not violated.” progressive core-shelter units, and needs of the affected,” she said.
Community Environment and The government should conduct 1,167 permanent shelter units. Wendell Avisado, an adviser
Natural Resources Office. “comprehensive profiling” of The progressive core shelters have a to President Rodrigo Duterte on
“Unfortunately, Philippine laws affected residents. lifespan of 10 years while ‘permanent’ rehabilitation efforts, blames the
only recognize land titles,” the Boracay, a small island located houses can last a minimum of 20 “vicious cycle” of the government’s
lawyer said. about 320 kilometers south of years, according to Caritas. bureaucratic system.
He said his office would not evict the capital, Manila, is known for Jing Rey Henderson, the church And while the government
residents until a relocation site was its white beaches and beautiful group’s coordinator, said that from continues to find ways to address
found. sunsets. the very start they have to tell people the problems, people complain that
“We are going after illegal settlers In 2012, Travel and Leisure that the program is theirs and “not they are living in shelters that are
on wetlands who obviously pollute magazine ranked it as the “world’s one of the Catholic Church.” comparable to “pigpens.”
our mangrove areas,” he said. best island” but there has since been She said people need to have a Raul Malibago, a 50-year-
Fr. Edwin Gariguez, executive international exposure of myriad sense of ownership and entitlement old survivor, says his family of
secretary of the National pollution and other environmental and to bounce back and become ten people was provided with a
Secretariat for Social Action, said problems. (Mark Saludes/ more “empowered, resilient, and government housing unit that
the government should consider UCAN) sustainable.” measures a mere 16 by 18 meters.
Henderson said Caritas “We are not even allowed to build
works within the framework of a second floor,” he said. “When we
community-managed disaster risk sleep, we stick together. It’s small,
Randy Doromal, director Wanted: prayer “We have a vision of reduction and the principles and hot, overcrowded, and there is no
of the Jaro Archdiocesan warriors a unified family and strategies of community organizing. space for privacy,” said Malibago.
Commission on Family Aside from the life ministry for the “Through these, [we] ensure He said the house is made of “all
and Life. synchronized prayer ecclesiastical provinces that even without the presence of sand and no steel bars,” making it
vigil, the directors on of Jaro and Capiz that is [church groups], and even beyond dangerous for those inside. “I’m
‘One with the Church’ family and life, family one with the Church in the funding period, communities afraid it will collapse if there’s an
“Hence, we are inviting and life ministers, and her mission to promote can sustain programs,” she said. earthquake,” he said.
everyone, who is ‘one family and life workers and protect the sanctity Henderson claimed that true to “These housing units are not
with the Church in her and volunteers resolved and integrity of marriage, their vision, 166 communities under homes,” said Christopher Durana,
mission’, to show your to: family, and life,” the priest the church’s three-year intervention deputy secretary-general of the
presence as we gather in • To equip family and explained. program have become sustainable. urban poor activist group Kadamay.
prayer in defense of the life ministers in their “For this, we need “The program is of and for “These are nothing but pens only
good of marriage and the pastoral accompaniment ministers, communities, communities,” she said. “The fit for pigs,” he said, adding that
family,” the priest added. of families by way of and Christian families recovery and rehabilitation the shelters have no stable water
The faithful are psycho-spiritual that are formed integrally, program have flourished because or electricity supply. (Ronald
reminded to bring with integration; empowered by the the communities have a high sense Reyes/UCAN)
them candles with • To have official primers strength of God through
“catchers” and the rosary from the Metropolitan prayers, and inspired by
Killing / A1
for the event. Sees of Capiz and Jaro as the Blessed Mother,” said
According to Doromal, sources of information Doromal.
the synchronized prayer for massive information The ecclesiastical On this day, the archdiocese Father Richmond Nilo was killed.
vigil was agreed upon education dissemination provinces of Jaro and of Lingayen-Dagupan will do the 4. The image of the Santo Entierro
by the 118 participants to respond to issues that Capiz comprise the following: or the Black Nazarene should be
of the 11th Summit of threaten and destroy the Archdioceses of Capiz 1. All the Masses in the brought out in procession in the
the Archdiocesan and integrity of the family and and Jaro, the Dioceses Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan evening of June 18th to close the
Diocesan Commissions of human life; and of San Carlos, San Jose will be offered as reparation for Day of Reparation.
on Family and Life of • To propagate de Antique, Bacolod, the sins of blasphemy against God, 5. The seminarians of Mary Help
the Metropolitan Sees of and intensify “prayer Kabankalan, Kalibo, the sins of sacrilege and calumny Christians Seminaries will lead a
Capiz and Jaro held in warriors” for family and and Romblon. (Fr. hurled against our priests and dawn penitential pilgrimage on foot
Kalibo, Aklan, from April life ministry, such as the Mickey Cardenas/ bishops; the murders that continue from San Jacinto Parish Church at
24 to 26. Rosary for Life Movement. CBCPNews) without relent. The Mass presiders 4:30am to the Basilica of Manaoag.
are to wear the penitential color of We encourage the youth to join.
violet. It will be a day of fasting and Villegas also asked the faithful to
abstinence for the priests, religious implore God’s grace “to touch the
brutality, disrespect and impunity. for thorough and impartial and lay faithful of our Church. heart” of President Rodrigo Duterte
“To kill a priest then, for whatever investigation of the case and for 2. The parish priests should to stop “verbal persecution” of the
motive or cause, is not only its swift resolution, as we likewise expose the Blessed Sacrament for Catholic Church.
unchristian and inhuman, it is also appeal to those who might have one hour at a time most convenient “Such attacks can unwittingly
un-Filipino,” he said. material knowledge on this matter for the parishioners to adore and embolden more crimes against
Bishop Bancud then demanded to please cooperate with police make reparation. The priests must priests,” he added.
justice for Nilo who served his authorities,” he said. go to confession and in turn, hear “We seek the guidance of the
diocese for nearly 17 years, as “We earnestly call on our people the confessions of the faithful on Holy Spirit that our leaders in
he asked the faithful to pray to pray for Fr. Richmond, for this day too. government may arrest the further
for the soul of the slain priest peace, healing and security of our 3. All the parish church bells erosion of law and order in the
as well for an end to killings in communities, and for the clergy should ring for fifteen minutes at six country and restore respect for
the country. and the religious, especially in our o’ clock in the evening on June 18th human life and human dignity,” he
“We demand for justice, diocese,” Bancud added. to commemorate the time when also said. (CBCPNews)
A8 PEOPLE, FACTS, AND PLACES June 11 - 24, 2018 Vol. 22 No. 12 CBCP Monitor

‘Great joy’ in Ilocos Norte as Patroness

receives Pontifical Coronation
JUST like St. John the Baptist and
St. Elizabeth, Ilocanos had a reason
to “leap for joy” as the patroness of
Ilocos Norte, “La Virgen Milagrosa
de Badoc”, received the Pontifical
Coronation on May 31, the feast of
the Visitation of Our Lady.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of
Manila, “in the name and by the
authority of the Holy Father, Pope
Francis”, crowned the Marian
image in her shrine at St. John the
Baptist Parish in Badoc.
Thousands of devotees, various
bishops and a huge number of
priests from Ilocos Norte and
neighboring provinces were present.
In his homily, Cardinal Orlando
Quevedo, a native of Ilocos Norte,
started by recalling the story of La
Virgen Milagrosa’s arrival in the
Ilocos region together with the
“Santo Cristo Milagroso de Sinait”.
The wooden images came to
Ilocos shores contained in a tightly
sealed wooden box which was
discovered by Badoc and Sinait
fishermen four centuries ago.
The Cotabato archbishop
expounded that these sacred images
are believed to have come from the
persecuted Christians in Japan
who had jettisoned these religious
artifacts to the sea to avoid being
implicated as Christians.
Quevedo recalled the martyrs
of this persecution, particularly
Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon and
St. Lorenzo Ruíz. He ended the
homily with a challenge that, like
these holy men, the faithful should
follow “La Virgen Milgrosa” who
stands beneath the cross of “Santo
Cristo Milagroso”.
Coronation events
Days before the Coronation, a
series of Masses were held including
a fluvial procession in the spot where
“La Virgen Milagrosa” was found.
The devotees were led to reflect on
the theme of the event: “Exultavit
in Gaudio!” – Leap for Joy! from
Lk. 1:41: “Upon Mary’s visitation
to Elizabeth, the child John the
Baptist ‘in utero’ (in the womb),
leaped for joy”.
The chosen theme was inspired
by the fact that the Lady of Badoc
is also called, “Cause of our Joy”
and the patron saint of the town
of Badoc is St. John the Baptist.
Hence, doing the coronation on the
Feast of the Visitation is very fitting.
The culminating day was marked
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato and Bishop Renato Mayugba lead the pontifical coronation of La Virgen Milagrosa
by the Mass and Coronation with a de Badoc at the St. John the Baptist Church in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, May 31, 2018. PHOTO FROM PGIN COMMUNICATIONS FACEBOOK PAGE
procession of “Virgen Milagrosa”
around the main streets of Badoc its fulfilment and meaning through Ilocos Norte. confined within the locality of
accompanied by thousands of extending our help to the poor and Mayugba added that the foundation Ilocos Norte. On the same day of
devotees who were recipients of her the needy and particularly to those will also be dedicated to fund the the coronation, Fr. Ericson Josue,
powerful intercession. in the peripheries…to crown Mary training of future priests, particularly a priest historian from the Diocese
is to love the poor.” poor and needy seminarians. of Laoag, celebrated a thanksgiving
‘To crown Mary is to love With this, among the resolutions Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary
the poor’ made during the event was the Thanksgiving Masses Major in Rome which was attended
In his address of thanksgiving, establishment of the foundation The day was culminated by a especially by Filipino migrants who
Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag “Caritas Badoc” dedicated to Thanksgiving Mass presided by the came in pilgrimage from various
said that “crowning our Mother helping the indigenous peoples and Bishop Mayugba in the afternoon. parts of Europe. (Fr. Mickey
and our Queen with diadems finds indigenous cultural communities in The joy of devotees was not only Cardenas/CBCPNews)

Draft bill seeks to make polluters pay
POLLUTERS of the
environment, including big
business and government
officials, will be guaranteed
to face criminal charges if
activists get their way and
Philippine legislators pass a
bill being prepared for them
to grant rights to nature.
Church and environmental
activists ended a nationwide
caravan in Manila on June
5, World Environment Day,
to dramatize their call for
the passage of a “rights of
nature” law.
Rather than treating
nature as property under
the law, “rights of nature”
acknowledges that nature in
all its life forms has the right
to exist, persist, maintain and
regenerate its vital cycles.
Led by the Philippine-
Misereor Partnership Inc.
(PMPI), the church and
environmental groups are
pressing for the “holistic
recognition that all life,
all ecosystems are deeply
intertwined.”
The PMPI is a social
development network of
people’s organizations, faith-
based groups, and Misereor,
the overseas development
agency of the Catholic Church
in Germany.
“Our environmental laws
only protect the rights of
mankind over nature and
allow the destruction of
biodiversity but do not
punish those who abuse the
environment,” said Yolanda
Esguerra, PMPI coordinator.
Franciscan nun Crescencia
Lucero said the bill, once
enacted into law, can be
used to hold perpetrators of
environmental destruction
accountable.
PMPI National Coordinator Yolanda R. Esguerra addresses the crowd during the culminating activity of ‘Salakyag para sa Sangnilikha
2018’ at Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila City. PHOTO COURTESY OF JERICO CATALLA/PMPI
“It is possible to sue even
the president or anyone
in government if their
policies permit ecological
degradation,” said the nun
who also sits on the board of
the influential Association of
Major Religious Superiors in
the Philippines.
Father Edwin Gariguez,
executive secretary of the
social action secretariat of
the bishops’ conference, said
“the right of nature is the
backdrop to our campaign
against mining, dirty energy,
and climate change.”
The priest said it was also
the aim of the caravan to call
on President Rodrigo Duterte
to honor his pronouncements
to protect the environment,
especially by closing
destructive industries like
mining.
“We are submitting one
million signatures [to
Duterte] as testament to
this clamor,” said Father
Gariguez.
The PMPI’s Esguerra,
eanwhile, said they were
“troubled” that the
Philippines has been tagged
one of the “most dangerous
places for environmental
advocates” in the world.
“The victims are mostly
indigenous peoples,
farmers and community
leaders and advocates,”
she said, adding that
poor people are “among
the most affected by
environmental destruction
and suffer the brunt of
natural disasters.”
Ecuador was the first
country to recognize “rights
of nature” in its constitution
that was ratified by a
referendum in September
2008.
The Ecuadorian
Constitution states that
“rather than treating nature
as property under the law,
rights of nature articles
acknowledge that nature in
all its life form has the right
to exist, persist, maintain,
and regenerate its vital
cycle.”
Rights of nature made
strides when the Universal
Declaration of the Rights of
Mother Earth was drafted
during the Rights of Mother
Earth Conference organized
in Bolivia in 2010, which
became the anchor for
the establishment of the
International Rights of
Nature Tribunals. (Mark
Saludes/UCAN)
Cardinal Tagle hopes more
youth ‘catch fire’ at event
Thousands attend “Relentless” in 2017 where Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal
Tagle challenged them to continue living out the faith. FILE PHOTO
CONSCIOUS of the need for generation who shall be
New Evangelization, Manila prepare for their time,” added
Archbishop Luis Antonio the prelate.
Cardinal Tagle invites young Last year, around 15,000
people to the upcoming youth and singles gathered
Singles & Youth Faith on for the Singles & Youth Faith
Fire (SYFOF) 2018 entitled on Fire (SYFOF) 2017 entitled
“Relentless 2” on June 30, “Relentless”.
2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Aside from Tagle, Cubao
Araneta Coliseum. Bishop Honesto Ongtioco
“The ‘Relentless I’ and other members of the
aftermath has already spread clergy are also expected to
to several dioceses and many join “Relentless 2.”
parishes and it is our prayer “This will surely help
that more and more Catholic thousands of young souls
youth will catch this new fire who need enlightenment
happening in our Church,” and direction in their lives,
said the prelate in an official who are very future of our
endorsement of the event Church and of our society
sent to bishops, moderators and we are looking forward
and coordinators of youth to having fellowship with
groups, parish priests, and you and your staff in this
youth leaders. momentous occasion,” reads
According to Tagle, an official invite from the
“Relentless 2” is a response to organizer The Lord’s Flock.
the challenge he posed to them The event is free and open
last year when he asked the to the public.
youth attendees of “Relentless” Interested parties may
in Filipino: “Do you want to contact The Lord’s Flock
have this event again?” at 376-57-80 or through
“We shall continue to the Facebook page SYFOF
pursue New Evangelization for more information.
especially for the next (CBCPNews)

Bishop Baylon reminds faithful: ‘Mass meant to celebrate God’s love in your life’
SHEDDING light on the true
nature of the Holy Mass, a bishop
explained that the Sacrament is
not entertainment but is a highly
communal and yet personal
celebration of “God’s love.”
“You do not just come to Mass
in order to pray… You come to
Mass in order to celebrate God’s
love in your life… And that is not
something you experience on your
own privately. You experience it
with your family, with your friends,
with your community, with your
parish, with the world,” said Legazpi
Bishop Joel Baylon, who spoke to
some 15,000 mostly youth gathered
at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on June
2 for Liveloud X, an annual praise
and worship concert organized by
CFC – Youth for Christ.
The prelate also called attention to
the attitude of many churchgoers who
hope the Masses were more engaging.
Not entertainment
“Some of us come to Mass as
if going to watch a movie… to be
entertained. If the homily is too long,
it gets criticized. There are Masses
that are boring…because [people]
come to be entertained. Is this how
we come to Mass? Is this why we
come to Mass?” noted Baylon.
According to the bishop, who
used to head the CBCP Episcopal
Commission on Youth, ultimately,
the Mass is to thank God.
“There are many things we thank
God for. And that is what the Mass
is all about. [Some say:] ‘I won’t go
to Mass anymore because Father is
boring. Kids are so noisy. The choir
is out of tune,’” Baylon added.
Personal experience of mercy,
love
The prelate stressed the many
things God did for man, particularly
giving Himself in the Eucharist.
“…Our God did something great
for us. But if there were no last
supper, there would be no Eucharist.
There would’ve have been no altars
or tabernacles in our churches.
There would be just six sacraments.
No benediction. There would be
no tabernacles. But that is not the
heart of the matter. … To put it
more precisely, there was this ritual
because Jesus wants us, wanted his
disciples, to enter into everything that
He did for us,” he explained.
For the bishop, the Mass invites
the faithful to draw near to the
Mass with gratitude and a sense of
celebration.
“Each and everyone of us have
experienced His touch, His healing,
His love, His life in more ways than
one. If we have not experienced that
then this Mass has no meaning to
us. We came here …to thank God
not just because of the beautiful
things He did through His Son …
we also draw near to thank God
because we felt, we experience His
love, His mercy… That is what we do
at Mass,” stressed Baylon.
Keken Cabaraban, a full-time
lay missionary for CFC – Youth for
Christ, led this year’s Liveloud, the
10th praise and worship concert of
its kind to be organized.
The event gathered thousands
of young people from all over the
country to sing praise songs and
to listen to testimonials about the
faith. (Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz/
CBCPNews)